What on earth is a “riparian”? A riparian area or zone refers to the interface between land and freshwater, including streams, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. This strip supports an incredible diversity of aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals. As illustrated below, a fully functioning riparian area benefits everyone. However, unsurprisingly, human activity and development has significantly degraded and […]
Caring for Our Shores – Appendix 1: Where to Get Help Report and Information Hotlines (please note: all contact information was correct at time of printing but may no longer be valid) Enquiry Lines: Federal Government Enquiry Line: 1-800-667-3355, provides contact numbers for federal agencies (does not transfer calls). Enquiry B.C Transfer Line: 1-800-663-7867, will
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Caring for Our Shores – Section IV: The Law and the Shore Who Regulates What? Every part of British Columbia’s coastline falls under the jurisdiction of one or more of the following levels of government: municipalities, regional districts, First Nations Peoples, provincial, or federal government. Private property extends only as far as the mean ordinary
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Caring for Our Shores – Section III: Mapping and Monitoring Imagine that when you bought your land the previous owners passed on a series of maps, charts, and surveys that marked thriving clam and oyster beds, stands of sea asparagus, seal haul-outs, and eagle trees. You would have been able to make informed decisions about
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Caring for Our Shores – Chapter 3: Let Nature Do the Work …how to minimize harm through careful building and landscaping Some of the largest alterations we can make to our properties are structural: digging fields for septic systems or channels for water pipes, clearing land for lawns and views, paving, roofing, and removing trees.
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“Caring for Our Shores: A Handbook for Coastal Landowners in the Strait of Georgia” by Shannon Cowan, Christy Wilson, and Bill Austin; published by the Cowichan Community Land Trust (Cowichan Intertidal Stewardship Project) and the Marine Ecology Station. This book is available from CCLT for $10 (plus postage and handling) for individual copies or $6
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This report is the result of a research project funded by Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, the Cowichan Valley Regional District and the Kaatza Foundation. During this project CCLT land stewards from 11 years of landowner contact programs were surveyed to assess the effectiveness of stewardship education. Land stewards were interviewed to determine what changes in
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The Stewardship Pledge The Stewardship pledge is a voluntary commitment of landholders to: Conserve the natural elements in the area and be sensitive to the wildlife (both plants and animals) that live there. Keep to a minimum any disturbance to the natural features and seek conservation assistance, if required. Encourage a diversity of native plants
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Protecting rare, endangered Garry Oak and Associated Species Ecosystems Garry Oak Meadow with Great Camas (Camassia leichtlinii) Albino Flower. Credit: R. WilesWe are excited to share about our activities growing awareness and stewardship of the special and endangered Garry Oak ecological community on Maple Mountain! We’ve been collaborating with the BC Conservation Federation (BCCF), the
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